Urinalysis lab

We must maintain a chemical balance in our body fluids in order to maintain good
health. Our kidneys function to help maintain this internal balance. The chemical
makeup of the body’s liquid waste (urine) can be a good indicator of internal body
chemistry and possible imbalances.

Background Concepts
Normal urine usually varies in color between a straw yellow and an amber transparent
color, and possesses a characteristic odor. Urine color and odor vary considerably from
time to time according to the ratio of solutes to water in the urine. Many internal body
functions can contribute to the solute-to-water ratio. Cloudy urine sometimes reflects
the secretion of mucin from the urinary tract lining and is not necessarily an indication
of a problem. In general, however, cloudy urine should be tested further to determine
the source of the cloudiness, which could indicate a serious problem.

The normal pH of urine ranges from 4.5 to 7.2 and averages about 6.0. The pH of urine is
strongly affected by diet. High protein diets decrease the pH of urine, while a mostly
vegetable diet increases the pH. Consistently acidic urine can be a sign of metabolic
acidosis, methanol poisoning, or other medical disorders. In many cases, the pH of the
urine of a person with a urinary tract infection is quite basic.

Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a volume of a substance compared to the
weight of an equal volume of distilled water. (Water has a specific gravity of 1.000
g/cm3.) The specific gravity of urine depends upon the amount of solutes in solution and
normally ranges from 1.005 to 1.025 g/cm3 The greater the concentration of solutes, the
higher the specific gravity. In certain conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, specific
gravity is high because of the high glucose content in the urine. Consistently dilute urine,
with a specific gravity less than 1.005-g/cm3 is an indication of cardiovascular problems,
diabetes insipidus, or renal tube problems. A person who drinks a large volume of water
each day most likely will produce a large volume of dilute (low specific gravity) urine.

Albumin or other proteins are normally absent from urine because the molecules are
too large to be filtered out of the blood. High levels of protein in the urine are an
indication of glomerular damage in the kidney. It may also be the result of excessive
exercise, cold exposure or other acute abdominal diseases.

Urine normally contains such small amounts of sugar (glucose) that, clinically, glucose is
considered to be absent in normal urine samples. The presence of glucose in significant
amounts is call glucosuria, and the most common cause is certain diseases such as
 diabetes mellitus. Other conditions such as pregnancy, excessive strain, renal tube
damage, or brain damage may also result in elevated glucose in the urine.

The kidney functions to help maintain a chemical balance (homeostasis) in the body.
When the body’s metabolism becomes abnormal, many substances not normally found
in the urine may appear in varying amounts, while normal constituents may appear in
abnormal amounts. Urinalysis is the analysis of the physical and chemical properties of
urine and is a vital tool in diagnosing physiological conditions. It is, however, only a
preliminary indication of possible problems and is always followed up with other
appropriate tests for specific conditions.

Materials Required
 Benedict’s solution, 15 mL
 Biuret test solution, 5 mL
 Simulated urine sample, Person V, 6 mL
 Simulated urine sample, Person W, 6 mL
 Simulated urine sample, Person X, 6 mL
 Simulated urine sample, Person Y, 6 mL
 Simulated urine sample, Person Z, 6 mL
 Water, 250 mL
 Boiling water bath (shared)
 Graduated cylinder, 10-mL
 Hot plate
 pH test strips, 5
 Pipet, Beral-type
 Test tube, 25 × 150 mm
 Test tubes, small, 5
 Urine hydrometer

Safety Precautions
Biuret test solution contains copper(II) sulfate and sodium hydroxide and is a corrosive liquid. It
is moderately toxic by ingestion and is dangerous to skin and eyes. Benedict’s solution contains
copper(II) sulfate, sodium citrate, and calcium carbonate; it is moderately toxic by ingestion and
a body tissue irritant. Avoid contact of all chemicals with eyes and skin. Wear chemical splash
goggles and chemical-resistant gloves and apron. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
before leaving the laboratory. Follow all laboratory safety guidelines!
Procedure
Five factors of urine are considered in this urinalysis simulation. Each of the five tests is
described below. Consider all five factors and complete all five tests on the simulated
urine from individuals V, W, X, Y, and Z.

Record the results of the tests on the Urinalysis Worksheet as each test is completed.

Answer the questions on the Urinalysis Worksheet when all of the data has been
collected.

1. Specific Gravity Test

Specific gravity is the density of a solution relative to water, which has a specific gravity
of 1.000. The specific gravity of urine ranges from 1.010 to 1.026. Specific gravity varies
according to fluid intake.

Gently shake each bottle of simulated urine thoroughly before performing this
procedure. Use a clean pipette to fill the cylinder to the fill line with a simulated urine
sample. Place the hydrometer in the urine sample in the cylinder. The hydrometer will
float in the urine and the specific gravity can be read on the hydrometer where the
liquid is level with the hydrometer’s reading. Record the specific gravity for the sample.
DO NOT THROW THIS SAMPLE AWAY - Save the simulated urine sample for further
urine tests. Rinse and dry the cylinder in between each successive urine sample.

Here is a link for how to use a hydrometer (urinometer) Go to minute 2:53 (the
beginning is just about calibrating it, not necessary for you!)
2. Urine color and possible causes

Consider the color of the simulated urine sample. Describe the color as bright yellow,
pale yellow, clear amber, cloudy, or some other color descriptors.

3. pH Test

The pH of a solution is a measure of its free hydrogen ion concentration, which indicates
acidity or alkalinity. A solution with a pH of 7.0 is neutral. A solution with a pH less than
7.0 is acidic and a solution of a pH greater than 7 is basic. Typically, the pH of normal
urine is between 6.0, which is slightly acidic, to 8.0, which is slightly basic. Again, this
normal balance can be upset by certain foods or diseases.

Use pH test paper to determine the pH of each simulated urine sample.

4. Sugar Test

Place 3 mL of simulated urine into a small test tube with 3 mL of Benedict’s test
solution. Place the test tube in the hot water bath for about two minutes. Remove the
test tube from the water bath after two minutes and note the final color of the solution
in the test tube. The general color scheme is an indication of the relative amount of
sugar in the urine:

Blue — Negative/no sugar

Greenish/Yellow — Small concentration of sugar
Orange/Yellow — Medium concentration of sugar
Red/Orange — Large concentration of sugar
4. Protein Test

Place 3 mL of the simulated urine sample into a small test tube. Transfer biuret test
solution to the test sample one drop at a time. Swirl the test tube to mix the solution.
Add a total of 15–20 drops. Note the initial color as soon as the biuret solution is added
and then note the color again after a few seconds. A pinkish or lavender color indicates
the presence of proteins in the urine.

Urine Analysis

Physical Patient Patient Patient Patient Patient

Normal Value
Characteristic V W X Y Z

Color Pale yellow

Transparency Clear

pH 4.5 to 8.0

Specific gravity 1.001 to 1.030

Protein Negative

pH 5.0 to 8.5

Blood Negative

Specific gravity 1.000 to 1.030

Glucose Negative